I have never met Michael Brimm of Granite City, and have no idea who he is. I find it impossible to believe that someone I have never met; woke up one morning and decided, on his own, to spend tens of thousands of dollars on legal fees to subvert democracy and the choice of the more than 71,000 voters who voted for me in November of 2010. The objection forms can be filled out for free; whomever is paying the two law firms to file all this paperwork has lots of money to blow and wanted to be SURE they were successful in removing me from the ballot.

I find it reprehensible that Mr. Brimm used my family's tragic loss to further political ambitions of someone who didn't have the guts to do it personally, and sad that politics in America are at such a low point. However, my family must always come first and for that I make no apology because I am very family oriented and that will never change. I wish to thank my supporters for the thousands of emails I have received and it is heartening to know that so many people wished for me to represent them in the U.S. Congress.

I ask my many supporters to look to the future as I am endorsing and will fully support Rodger Cook for the Republican nomination. Rodger Cook is the leader we need to represent the 12th district. Rodger Cook is now by far the most qualified candidate in the race and I will be working as hard for his election as I would have for mine. Rodger is a man of integrity and vision with the principles and solid conservative values America desperately needs. Rodger Cook will represent ALL the people of the 12th district and restore honor to the district as our Representative and one we can all be proud to have fighting for us in Washington. I believe Jason Plummer lacks the experience, maturity and judgement needed for this position and I cannot in good conscience endorse or support him; just as I could not and did not support his candidacy for Lt. Governor. It's insulting to the voters that the Republican party sold their support to a rich kid with a painfully thin resume. Both Theresa Kormos and Rodger Cook are far more qualified than a rich dilettante who has tried unsuccessfully to be elected to SOMETHING for the last 3 election cycles, and a credit to the intelligence of the voters that have repeatedly proven themselves too smart to elect a career politician wannabe. PERSONAL WEALTH  IS NOT A QUALIFICATION TO BE ELECTED TO CONGRESS.

I cannot foresee at this time any situation in which I will be a candidate for public office again. Many thanks to my supporters, volunteers, family and friends for their help, dedication and all of their hard work. It was an honor and a privilege to have been your Republican nominee in 2010 and to have been able to meet so many patriotic Americans who gave me the most precious thing we have: their votes. I am moved beyond words by their support and I regret that your choice was taken away by Michael Brimm for no reason other than to try and further the political ambitions of a totally unqualified candidate.

 Teri Newman